Cunard Line is honoured to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will make a farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in her homeport of Southampton on Tuesday 11 November 2008 – the ship’s last day in the UK before leaving on her Final Voyage at 1915 hours. QE2 will depart for Dubai where she will become a first class hotel and entertainment centre.

The most famous ship in the world, and for 35 years the flagship of the Cunard fleet, QE2 was launched by Her Majesty The Queen at Clydebank on 20 September 1967 – forty years ago last year. His Royal Highness was also in attendance.

Since then QE2 has travelled almost 5.9 million nautical miles, more than any ship ever; has carried 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 World Cruises; and has crossed the Atlantic 804 times.

As well as being present at the launch, His Royal Highness has visited QE2 five times since her Keel Laying – on 14 July 1967 during construction; on 1 May 1969, immediately prior the Maiden Voyage; on 29 May 1969 for the Council of Industrial Design Awards; on 19 June 1991 for a Royal Ball in association with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and on 27 July 1990 to mark Cunard Line’s 150th anniversary.

Details of the visit on 11 November will be announced shortly, but Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments:

“We are delighted and honoured that His Royal Highness has agreed to visit QE2 on her last day in the UK. The Duke of Edinburgh has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, and I am certain this will be a memorable occasion for all involved”.